Topic: Windows

It was revealed during Microsot's annual sales meeting that the company's next-generation operating system will hit shelves on Oct. 26 meaning new hardware will shortly follow including the Surface tablet.

The launch of ARM-based tablets and computers later this year running Windows RT is expected by one analyst to confuse consumers, potentially pushing even more of them to Apple's tightly integrated ecosystem.

Market research firm NPD estimates that Apple's share of the tablet space will dwindle to just over 50 percent by 2017, while Android and Windows-based devices will begin continue to eat into the iPad's overwhelming lead by 2014.

A new analysis combining PCs, tablets and smartphones into one category of "smart connected devices" projects iOS devices will grow from a 14.6 percent share of the market in 2011 to 17.3 percent in 2016.

Microsoft has rearranged its management team for Windows Phone, shifting division head Andy Lees to a "time-critical opportunity" to build momentum for its Windows Phone and Windows 8 operating systems, a move that some have viewed as a sign of failure.

Microsoft released new details of its Windows 8 plans on Tuesday, differentiating its upcoming Windows Store from Apple's own App Store and Mac App Store by offering a 20/80 revenue split to developers after their first $25,000 in sales and allowing third-party in-app purchase and subscription options.